Hesperian for Dummies

Version 3.5e
click here to visit the 2.e version of Hesperian instructions

Welcome to the latest guide for users of Hesperian.  Hesperian is a multi-user text-based platform, where several Players gather each week to play in the AD&D (3.5e) world of Mircanum.


There are a few Hesperianisms that you should be familiar with.

You can proceed directly to the Web Login from here.

The following information is designed for Users both new and old.  Please give me feedback to let me know how to improve this information.  If you see errors, if you have ideas for ways to more concisely or clearly explain something, if you don't understand how something is presented, or if you know of things that SHOULD be explained, but are not, please send email to Myth.


Basic (vital) Commands

Learn these 5 commands, and you have a bit more than the average functionality of WebRPG, OpenRPG, or most Chatrooms.

About Hesperian commands

OOC commands, such as @sheet, are preceded by a @. IC commands, such as get sword, are not.
Many commands are synonymous, as shown below with the | character. For example: @save|@st means that you can choose to type @save or @st.
Many commands only require part of the command in order to function. For example, exa?mine. You can use exa, exam, exami, examin, or examine.
Most commands require additional information, and some of them will cause an error if that information is incorrect. For example, "dwarven ". Since it expects you to SAY something in dwarven, it'll cause an error if you do not.
There are hundreds of additional commands available. There's no need to try to learn them all. I only know about half of them, myself. If you DO wish to see a complete list of commands on Hesperian, you can type: "@commands me +all". Beware of spam!

Common Commands

Vital commands: Useful commands: Less useful commands: Soon to be implemented:

Recently added features:


Book I: The Basics

    Chapter 1: The really basics

    Chapter 2: Local Communications

    Chapter 3: Global Communications

    Chapter 4: The Environment

    Chapter 5: The Rules


Book II:  More about the Environment

    Chapter 1: Movement, Location, and Contents

    Chapter 2: Advanced Commands that utilize objects

    Chapter 3: Scratching the Surface


Book III: Plumbing the Depths

    Chapter 1: More on Objects

    Chapter 2: Moving Deeper


Book IV: Thardferr Game Tools

    Chapter 1: Sheets

    Chapter 2: Combat

    Chapter 3: Spells

    Chapter 4: Miscellaneous Game Tools


Book I: The Basics

    Chapter 1: The really basics

What is Hesperian?

            Hesperian is a text-based, multi-user virtual environment.  That means that there are no pictures nor buttons, just words.  It also means that many people can use Hesperian simultaneously.  We frequently have dozens of users online with no noticeable lag.  Hesperian has thousands of rooms, thousands of items, hundreds of monsters & NPCs, and dozens of Users.

How do I connect?

            There are many options.  Let's start with the simplest.

Connecting via Web Login

This is the simplest method of connecting, but can be slow, and some people think the text size is too small.  Simply click HERE, and then log in to Hesperian.

Connecting via MudMaster

If you'd like to connect using a client, MudMaster, to connect to Hesperian, just download the program files (and possibly the DLLs) from MudMaster (click here)'s DOWNLOAD area, and fire it up. Once you've got the client up and running, you can type:
/session Hesperian portland.puremagic.com 1138

Connecting via tkMoo

You can also connect via a client called tkMoo.  Download the program files (and possibly the DLLs) from tkMoo (click here)'s DOWNLOAD area, and fire it up. Once you've got the client up and running, you can connect to Hesperian: portland.puremagic.com 1138

Connecting via Telnet

Telnet is simple, but has very limited features without a client.  You can click here to telnet to Hesperian.

How do I log in?

Logging in to Hesperian - If you already HAVE a login

Once you are connected via the Web Login, MudMaster, tkMoo, or telnet (which sucks, but is easy), just type in the following, substituting your Hesperian Username and your Hesperian password:
connect Username password
For example:
connect Tomas thardferr

If you need to create a NEW User, see Creating a new character.

Logging in to Hesperian - With Tomas, the Guest User

I've set up a guest user with Username Tomas and password thardferr. To connect with him, use:
connect Tomas thardferr

Immediately after connecting, you'll be prompted to enter your actual name, though you'll be connected as Tomas.

Creating a new login

It's pretty simple to create a new login.  And, it's now simple to have that login promoted from Guest status to Thardferr Player. DMs can still do this via
point wand at guestuser
to promote that guest user to a Thardferr Player.  For example:
point wand at hexolx
would promote Hexolx to a Thardferr Player.  The point function has no actual effect on anything other than a Guest.Well, this isn't always strictly true...

Any Guest can also self-promote by going to the Game Room (east of the Login Room) and touching the disk there:
touch disk
That will promote a Guest to a Thardferr Player, assign them a password, and connect them to the ChitChat and OOC channels.

If you choose to use the @create command from the main entryway, you'll find yourself in the "Login Room", with a choice to go west or east.  Choose east.  The people to the west are NOT Thardferrians... they are vaguely aware that I'm running my campaign on Hesperian. They are not there to answer questions. :) One of the stipulations for us USING Hesperian is that we not bother the inhabitants overly. Think of them as benign but preoccupied deities, and PLEASE don't ask if Myth's around, or how to do stuff. I've put in "a stairway leading down and east" in the Lobby, so if you find yourself there, type:
down
to get to the Game room, and then wander about. You can talk with other connected users.  If you get stuck somewhere, I suggest that you disconnect, wait 5 or 10 minutes for your char to be reset, and recreate (or just use the Tomas login, above.)  You can also try to page Myth for help, or ask on the OOC Channel.

If you create a new character, follow the instructions above to change from Guest to Thardferr Player. You can explore as a Guest, but won't have the Thardferr-specific commands available to you, and five minutes after you log out, the login will be recycled.

What am I, on Hesperian?

            You are a User, or possibly a derivitive thereof such as a Builder or a Programmer.  You get information from Hesperian as text (words) and you give information to Hesperian in the same manner.  For the purposes of Mircanum, you are also either a Player or a Dungeon Master.

Who else is on Hesperian?

            Possibly nobody, and possibly dozens of people.  They may or may not be involved in a Game.  It's polite to find out if other Users are In-Session before starting up a conversation that might distract them from their Gaming.  To find out who is connected to Hesperian, use the @who command.  Simply type:
@who
This will show you who is connected, how long they've been idle, and where they are.  For example:
-- Connected Thardferr Users (3) ----

Name On for Idle Location
Myth 7 hrs   Myf's Room (Thardferr)
Mageblood 6 hrs 43 mins MB's Basement (<Creation>)
Aeron 1 hr 1 hr the Bard's Corner (Thardferr)

What is idle time?

            Idle time is the length of time since a User has processed a command.  If they've been idle for more than 5 minutes, they show up as "zoned" when you look at them.  If they've been idle for longer than about 20 minutes, they show up as "long gone" when you look at them.

What happens when I disconnect?

            Your login falls asleep.  After 5 minutes, if you've not reconnected, the housekeeper moves it to your "home" location.  If you have no home, you go to the Body Caves.  The fate of your physical body depends upon the room you drop link from.  In most rooms, you'll simply be carried off by the housekeeper.  In some rooms, more grisly fates await the sleeper.  Regardless of what happens, your physical body and all your possessions are stored safely until you return, at which point you wake up in your "home".  (Those without a home wake up in the Crypts.)

Who are you?

             I am Myth.  I ran games on Hesperian as a Thardferr DM since early 1999.  When WebRPG proved incredibly unreliable and lacking in advanced features, I asked my ex-roommate, Brad, if I could run games on Hesperian.  Since then I've sunk many hundreds of hours into coding lots of neat stuff for Hesperian's use as a Thardferr Gaming platform.  In June of 2006, I decided to go ahead and invest the ~300 hours of upgrading to convert Hesperian's code over from Second Edition, to 3.5e.   I'm also an Admin on Hesperian, which means that I'm responsible to keep the Users from annoying others or abusing things.  I'm kind of like a Traffic Cop with Freddy-Krueger-like powers and a Godwand, as well as a smattering of the playground bully mixed with the Thing under your bed.


    Chapter 2: Local Communications

How do I speak?

            Simply put a " before your words, or type out "say " before your words.  For example:
"Hello, there.
or
say Hello, there
Either would result in the following output to the room you're in, if your name is Myth:
Myth says, "Hello, there."

How do I emote?

            Either put a : before your emote (no trailing space after the :, just start the emote) or type out "emote " before your actions.  Use punctuation... it adds realism.  To emote "Myth smiles happily." I would use:
:smiles happily.
or
emote smiles happily.

How do I whisper?

            There are two types of whisper.  One is called "paging" and reaches any User, even in another room.  But for In-Character whispers, use:
whisper text to target
For example: 
whisper Can ye loan me 5 golden crowns? to gaiden
You and Gaiden would see the whisper, the rest of the room would see: "Myth whispers to Gaiden."

Who can see or hear me?

            Everyone in the room you're currently inhabiting.  To see the room and its inhabitants, simply:
look
or even more simply:
l

Those with spies in your room can also see you, and if your room is being scried by Observatory, anyone there can see you, as well.

How do I direct a communication?

            You can use directional says to anything in the same room you're in. If you're in a room with Myth, you can use:
'myth Hello!
If your name is Bill, the following would be the output: Bill (to Myth) exclaims, "Hello!"
You can also use directional emotes in much the same manner:
'myth :waves.
If your name is Bill, the following would be the output: Bill (to Myth) waves.

You can target multiple objects by separating them by a comma with no space.  For example:
'myth,barkeep I'm an elf fighter.  Can I join your group?
If your name is Rand, the following would be the output: Rand (to Myth and Barkeep) asks, "I'm an elf fighter.  Can I join your group?"

. o O ( Are my thoughts really this obvious? )

Thought bubbles are kinda cool.  They can get a lot across, and can be hilarious, as well.  To use them, use % or type "think " before your thoughts.  For example:
%If that ogre looks up, I'm a dead elf.
or
think If that ogre looks up, I'm a dead elf.
The results would look like this:  Rand . o O ( If that ogre looks up, I'm a dead elf. )

What is posing, and how do I do it?

This is a more advanced interaction tool.  If used sparingly, it can add some cool realism.  Just put a ! before your pose, and then you can say anything you want.  However, unless you are included in the pose, it will be tagged with your name, so that you can't make others appear to do things.  For example:
!As the dragon swoops downward, Rand wets himself.
This would produce the following message for Rand:
As the dragon swoops downward, Rand wets himself.
If Myth typed the above line, the output would be:
As the dragon swoops downward, Rand wets himself.     -- Myth

How do I use or understand languages?

            You automatically speak and understand your racial tongue and common.  For humans, the "racial tongue" is SlangSlang is a carryover from Thardferr. I love it, so I left it. Sue me.  Common is what is spoken when you type something after a ".  You can adjust your additional languages by asking Myth, "Hey, Nazi Dictator of Cruel Capricity, could you teach me to speak Swahili?" Assuming Swahili is a valid language (it isn't) and Myth is in a good mood (he ain't), he'll add the language to your login and from then on you can speak and understand it.  If you understand a language, you'll get a translation following the comment.  For example, if I spoke in elven, everyone in the room might see:
Myth says, "Flyy'rylm ylith frlyth."
If you spoke elven, you would ALSO see:
Myth says in elven, "Languages are sweet."

            Some languages are not apparent as such, and some can be understood somewhat.  For example, thieves' cant uses subtle gestures rather than speech.  And Slang (Myth's all-time favorite language) can often be deciphered somewhat even if you do not speak it.

            To speak a language, use the name of the language as the command.  For example:
slang Look, buddy, I'm not going to pay 300 crowns for that suit of armor.
elven Let us all hold hands and hug this tree, while singing happy songs.
goblin Look at those ridiculous elves, singing.  Let's burn the stupid tree.

            Currently existing languages include, but are not necessarily limited to:

            Slang actually maintains a dictionary of common words and checks to see if each word has a Slang translation.  If not, a gibberish Slang word is generated, and the unrecognized word is stored so that Myth can add it to the Slang dictionary, later.  :)  I love Slang.

Does anyone really know all of these many ways to interact?

            Only those who are the most experienced and comfortable with Hesperian.  I wouldn't try to learn all of this at first... master the SAY and the EMOTE, and get comfortable with those, first.  You'll likely see examples of the other things later, and you can always ask others how to do it then, or show yourself to have some initiative and come back and review this page.  :)

If you don't use all of the complex interaction tools, it's perfectly fine.  They're provided for your convenience; they're not obligatory.  When you want them, they'll still be there.  Until then, there's nothing wrong with focusing on the basics.


    Chapter 3: Global Communications

What is paging, and how do I do it?

            A page is an OOC whisper that isn't confined to a single room.  To page, use -, or type out "page person with " and then the message.  For example:
-myth Are you here?
This would page Myth with: [from Game Room] Bill asks, "Are you here?"
All pages are secret from anyone except you and the user you page, and all pages follow the format "[from ROOMNAME] SENDER says, "MESSAGE""

You can multi-say or multi-page by including additional users separated by a comma. For example:
-myth,bill Can you both hear me?
Yes, they both can. :)
If your name is George, and you type:
'myth,bill Will you two follow me? Everyone else, stay here.
The room will see:
George (to Myth and Bill) says, "Will you two follow me? Everyone else, stay here."

What is a channel?

            Channels are OOC communications between an unlimited number of participants.  Think of them like a channel on a two-way radio.  All people who are connected to a channel and listening to it can hear what's said on that channel.  A channel has nothing to do with what room you're in... when you speak on a channel, the other people on that channel will get your message, even if they're in the middle of a combat deep in the Underdark, or climbing an Icy Mountain peak.
            There are two basic channels, the OOC channel and the ChitChat channel.  The OOC channel is meant for Game-oriented, Hesperian-wide talk.  The ChitChat channel is for jabbering.  There's no such thing as spammy on the ChitChat channel; it's FOR spam.  If people don't want spammed by it, they can easily turn it off.  If people ask you to stop spamming the OOC channel, take your conversation to the ChitChat channel.  Here is an example of an OOC channel comment:
<OOC> Myth says, "Everybody come to the Game Room and we'll start."

Most DMs have their own channels, as well, and there are other channel uses that you may have, in addition.

How do I speak on a channel?

            Channels can have personal aliases.  When you're made a Thardferr Player, you're given the two basic channels.  To use these, use OOC or chit.  For example:
ooc Why can't I attack Myth?
or
chit So, has the US finally chosen a President, yet?

How do I emote on a channel?

            Like this:
ooc :smiles.

Can I be spied upon without my knowledge?

            Yes.  There are several ways that this can occur:

1. A spy.  All DMs can control spies, and some Players can do so, as well.  Spies can become invisible and travel invisibly, and a spy relays all that a User would see or hear to their master.

2. An invisible Player or DM.  This works much like a spy.

3. All pages from Player to Player are logged.  DMs can view these logs.  This is to make it harder for Players to abuse OOC information.

4. The Observatory can be directed to any room, and anything that happens in that room will appear to happen in the Observatory, as well.

5. Myth can "snoop" a login.  The means that he will see every line that login enters.  He frequently snoops new logins to help point them in the right direction when they're learning Hesperian.  Myth can snoop any login, however, should he feel that there is reason to do so.  DMs are informed when they are snooped, Players are not.  If DMs request snoop functionality, it'll likely be given to them for their own Players, only.

What's that sound outside my window?

            It's probably just a squirrel.  Turn your back to the sound and ignore it, especially if it's accompanied by loud breathing or snuffling noises.


    Chapter 4: The Environment

Where am I?

            You log in to your "home" location.  If you have no "home" set, you log into the Crypts.  In general, every location that you can occupy while connected to Hesperian is a single room, usually connected to other rooms.  To see the room you're in, type:
look
or
l

What are rooms?

            Rooms are locations.  They can hold Users, things, monsters, and even more.  They can have descriptions, they can be dark or light, they can be silent or filled with noise or quiet.  Rooms can be connected to other rooms with paths that are two-way or one-way.  (Paths can be invisible.)

What are things?

            Things are physical objects other than Rooms or Users, in general.  Things can also be more than just things.  A sword is a thing with some additional feature.  So is a suit of armor or a shield.  So is a cloak (wearable) or a pack (holds other things).  To look at things, type:
look
or
l
So, to look at Myth, type:
look at myth
or
look myth
To look at a ring Myth's wearing, type:
look at ring on myth
or
look ring on myth

When you look at something, and get the response "You see nothing special", it means that the object has not yet been described. Descriptions are cool, and add much spice to RPing on Hesperian. To describe you or any of your items takes a TINY little amount of time for Myth to do. Please take the time to ICQ or Email him and request a description, or just describe it yourself. (Note: Please INCLUDE the desired description in the ICQ/Email. Not just, "Myth, please describe me." It's not my job to make up your descriptions. ;)

Sometimes you'll see [brackets] around a word in a description. This is an embedded description. It works much like a separate item in that you can look at it. For example, suppose find a sword with the following description:

a sword
This fine blade has a single [ruby] set into the hilt.


You can type:
look ruby on sword
to get additional description, for example:
This egg-sized gemstone is cut in a thousand facets, and it sparkles with its own internal energy.

What are monsters?

            Monsters and NPCs are the same in Hesperian.  They are very enhanced things that can speak, emote, move, attack, be attacked, and a variety of other cool features.  DMs need to learn a lot about monsters, but Players can treat them much like other Users.

What else is there?

             There are various other "objects" that can have variables, code, and commands on them.  For example, a $tavern is an object designed to be added to an existing Place.  When this happens, the Place supports Menus and Bartenders.  Any place can be a $tavern, and remains a $tavern until a Builder tells it not to be.

Is this stuff real, or pretend?

             I claim it's real in a virtual sense, but my shrink has problems with this.  But, since I have secret suspicions that my shrink isn't really a beautiful woman, but is really a bald, male gnome illusionist, I don't put much value in her council.  (Other people say that since I RP her, this invalidates any psychological help she may offer, as well, but they just don't understand us.)

            It's pretend, but there are times when it's pretty important to those of us who Game on Hesperian.  It's often hard to tell when others are kidding around and when they're serious, but be aware that sometimes the other people online are serious or angry or upset, and try to be polite and supportive.


    Chapter 5: The Rules

What is the difference between IC and OOC?

            IC means In Character.  Most things about your character and possessions really should stay IC.  It's hard to Role-Play with Bob the Mage, who wears spandex platemail and swings around a fake Godwand.  Such things are OOC: Out Of Character.  They're funny and entertaining, but when Gaming, they need to be put somewhere.  Get a pack to keep them in, or leave them in your room.

            DMs can turn the IC on or off.  When the message pops up indicating that you're now IC, please speak only as your character would speak, and do as they would do.  It's very frustrating to be Role-Playing and have someone in the room cracking jokes.  If you wanna crack jokes, use the ChitChat channel.  That's what it's for.

            Also, keep OOC knowledge separate from IC knowledge.  If you're watching from the Observatory and you see that Walice didn't perish in the bottomless pit, make VERY sure that your character doesn't act on this OOC information.  Some DMs are lax and some are stringent... in the immortal words of Walice, however, "Myth is a jerk." ;)

What is spamming and why do people ask me to quit doing it?

            Spamming is making lots of noise while saying little.  I'm a great practitioner of it.  Spam is non-Game related, and just means putting up a lot of text that people have to read.  If you're jabbering about nothing important anywhere other than the ChitChat channel, you are obligated to heed requests to "stop spamming."  If people ask you to stop spamming the ChitChat channel, feel free to let 'em know that the ChitChat channel is FOR spam... they can turn it off if they wish to avoid its spam.

Who should I ask for help?

            First of all, look here.  If the answer isn't here, or the answer here isn't enough, PLEASE send an email to Myth so that I can write better help.  But you can ask on a channel for help, ask friends who are logged in, or ask Myth.  I'd suggest asking others first... I've only got so much time to spread around, and if it's something someone else can help with, that's a load off of me.  But I'm certainly willing to help as much as I can.

Another great resource is Asperin. That elf knows a great deal about Hesperian, and he'll probably help you out if he's around. Use @who to see if he is.

Can I Fragging curse here?

            That depends on who's online and who can hear you.  In a room, the person who "owns" the room dictates the acceptable profanity level.  That's usually the DM.  But if you're in Lerithyn's room, be aware that Lerithyn is certainly allowed to swear there.  And if you're in Walice's room, Walice is certainly allowed to ask you to not swear, and you're bound to either go along with that request, or leave the room.

            On channels, the ChitChat area is PG-13.  If the language/subject offends you, you can easily turn off the channel.  On any other channel, please keep the conversation polite unless you're confident that nobody will mind.  If people complain, Myth will very quickly yank your channel privileges.

Who's this Myth fellow and why does he tell me what to do?

            Myth is the guy who's modified Hesperian heavily to allow it to support Thardferr (and now Mircanum) gaming.  He's an Admin, and he's responsible for all aspects of Hesperian which concern Mircanum.  Hopefully he's responsible in this role, but if he's not... that's too bad.  He has no wish to be the Dark Tyrant of Mircanum*, and he'll do all that he can to be fair.  But, he's just a person.  Mircanum-on-Hesperian is Myth's project, and he's got sole control of it. Dat's just Da Way It Is.

*This isn't strictly accurate, actually.

Book II:  More about the Environment

    Chapter 1: Movement, Location, and Contents

Where am I?

            You are in a unique location.  Other Users or objects may also occupy it.  If you "look" you will see the room name.  To see the unique name, you can do a variety of things.  The easiest is probably:
@exam here
This tells you a lot of information, but the first line tells you the unique name:
Object (@rename): a plush room ($myth_room)

How do I pass through an exit?

            Just type the exit name.  To see exists, just look.  For example, if this describes the room you're in:
the Game Room
This simple stone-walled room is dank and musty. A large wooden table sits in the center of the room, and uncomfortable wooden chairs surround it. A rough-carved wooden sign on the wall reads, "Welcome to Hesperian." Someone has scribbled a cryptic message at the bottom of the sign, reading, "http://www.puremagic.com/~scott/Hesperian.html - Myth."
Myth is here.
You see a lunch suggestion machine, a golden disk, a portable hole and a gnoll here.
Visible Exits: down, south, west, up, north and east
To head south, to "Your Room", just type:
south
or
s
or anything in between, like
so
sou

Where are you?

            Everyone on Hesperian is in a unique location.  To find out WHERE, you can @examine them.  To do so, type:
@exam playername
The above will tell you where the person is located:
Location (@move): $game_room (the Game Room)

You can also see where everyone who's connected is at, with @who.

How do I get to where you are?

            Gate there, OOC.  To get there IC, you must know a path to that room.  To gate, use:
@gate $roomname
For example:
@gate $game_room

What am I carrying?

            To look at your inventory, use the Inventory command, or any subset of it.  For example, the following will all work:
inventory
inven
inv
i

You could also type:
look me
or
l me

How do I drop or get things?

            Well, just drop or get it.  For example:
get sword
drop helmet
get $scroll_1
drop $dagger_myth

How do I interact with my possessions?

            Other than "drop," "get," or "give," the possession must have some unique commands on it.  You can wield weapons and wear armor or packs or clothing.  For example:
wield sword
wear platemail
wear backpack
wield $dagger_myth

What should I do if my sword talks to me?

            I can get you a Session with my shrink for a few gold pieces, and if you let me listen in, I'll even pay for it.  But, it PROBABLY just means that either there's a DM screwing with you, or the fuzzy line between reality and fantasy has finally broken for you and you'll soon be happily RPing within your own mind even as the men in white coats haul your drooling, gibbering form to the Funny Farm.


    Chapter 2: Advanced Commands that utilize objects

How do I wear armor or clothing?

            Just wear them.  For example:
wear platemail
wear boots
wear backpack
   
         To remove them, you can just remove, or drop.  For example:
drop platemail
remove backpack

How do I wield melee or missile weapons?

            Much the same as with armor or clothing:  For example:
wield sword
wield dagger
wield $dagger_myth
   
         To remove them, you can just remove, unwield, or drop.  For example:
drop sword
remove dagger
unwield $dagger_myth

How do I make an attack?

            You need two things to do this:  A weapon and a target.  The weapon you wish to attack with must be wielded.  And the target must be present.  Once those criteria are met, you can just:
attack target with weapon
For example:
attack protector with sword

            You CAN attack with your bare hands, if you wish, with:
attack target with hands

            To attack from behind, just tack on a "from behind".  For example:
attack protector with dagger from behind
attack $monster_2 from behind with $sword_myth

            DMs will see full combat stats.  You'll see your TH roll and what you roll, and the defender will see their AC.  If you hit, both you and the defender will see how much damage is dealt.

            Note:  Hesperian supports Critical Hits, per the 3.5e rules. DMs are also informed of critical failures or critical hits.

How do I acquire spells?

            First, you need the spell to exist on Hesperian. Spellcasters can list Spell availability via the command:
@grasp $orb
Choose the option to list the spell database. If your spell is there, and you're the right class, you can cast it. If it's not there, please ask Myth to add it, asap. He's very willing to do so! It's much better for you to have your spells available in-Game.

How do I cast spells?

@cast spellname
You can also add a target, such as:
@cast cure light wounds at myth
If you don't specify a target, and one is required, "the target" will be inserted into the spell output.  For example:
Myth flings forth his hand, and streaks of light dart forth to smash into the target with stunning force.

            All spells have abbreviated forms. Detect Magic can be cast as det mag, for example. It can also be cast as "DM".  The abbreviated form can be used for casting or memming..

How many flies does it take to screw in a light bulb?

            Two, but don't ask me how they got in there.


    Chapter 3: Scratching the Surface

What does a $ before a name mean?

            That means that it's referring to the object's Unique Name.  Every object on Hesperian has a unique name, and can hold Variables, Code, and Commands.  Myth's unique name is $user_myth.  The Game Room's unique name is $game_room.  Your sword's unique name might be $longsword_bob.

What does a unique name accomplish?

            It allows you to target objects.  If there are four orcs in the room, and you try to "look orc", you'll get an error listing all the possible targets and their unique names.  If you see that the orc you want is called $monster_20, you can "look $monster_20" instead.  Or, "attack $monster_20 with sword".  If you're holding three swords, trying to "look sword" will give you the list of swords, so that you can "attack $monster_20 with $longsword_bob" for example.

What has a unique name?

            Every object.  Everything on Hesperian is an object or a function of an object.  When you look at a room, you look at the room object's description, as well as the exits (each is an object) and the contents (each is an object, yourself included.)  Remember: every object has it's own unique name beginning with $.

Can I rename things?

            You can rename anything that you Write.  "Write" privileges give you the ability to affect objects, and their names.  If you MADE something, you're it's Manager, and that includes Write privileges.  If someone else made an object for you, they SHOULD have added you as a Writer to it.*

*Odds are good, though, that they forgot. Remind them, politely. Once. Then get mean.

How do I rename common names?

            To rename the common name and aliases, use "@rename object to newname".  For example:
@rename sword to a gleaming sword
@rename $sword_myth to a gleaming longsword

            Aliases don't show up via inspection, but they still refer to the object.  If you want to be able to treat your "longsword" as a "sword", you must first:
@rename longsword to a longsword,sword

All objects after a comma (with NO SPACE) are added as aliases.  So, you could:
@rename longsword to a longsword,sword,luckblade,blade,lucky
Then you could "wield longsword", "wield blade", or even "wield lucky".

            Be careful with aliases... they'll clash with other objects.  The sword above would clash with "a blademaster" as well as "a lucky coin".

How do I rename unique names?

            Basically, the same way, but with a $ before the final name and no spaces or other punctuation other than the underscore.  For example:
@rename longsword to $longsword_myth
There is no concept of aliases for unique names... that would clash with the "unique" part.  :)

Can I describe things?

            Yes, and it's very much encouraged.  Descriptions add a lot of flavor and Role-Playability.  This command is three-part, and it is often confusing.  Keep in mind that the first section is to invoke the description, then you enter as much text as you wish, with enters if desired.  Then, to tell the editor "I'm done entering text," you enter a period on a blank line.  For example:
@describe longsword
This gleaming blade is made of sharp and shiny steel.  The handle is wrapped in simple leather straps, and the crossguard is a piece of iron.
The weapon is simple but functional.
The name "Myth" is delicately inscribed into the crossguard.
.

Can we go over that whole @describe command again?

            Yup.  If it seems like you're frozen and unable to do anything, you're PROBABLY still describing.  Remember that Hesperian has no way to know if you're sending commands or descriptions, so until you tell it you're done describing (with a period on a blank line) it'll keep thinking that you're entering description.  If you seem locked up, type a period and enter, then repeat that once or twice.

If you want to [embed] descriptions, awesome! But it's confusing, and a lot easier to explain in person. Ask Myth for some help.

What is @pasting, and how does it work?

            Pasting is the ability to enter multiple lines of data at one time.  When you @describe something, you're using the same code used by @paste.  A common use of @paste is to drop large chunks of conversation or backlog to another user, or to your room.  Follow the same procedures for @paste as for @describe.  If you don't enter a target User, the @paste will hit the room you're in.  For example, to tell the room your background:
@paste
Uncle Mythy was raised in a teeny little town in the middle of Nowhere/Utah, called Tabiona.
Uncle Mythy started playing AD&D when he was 13, DMing without such silly crutches as dice or books.
In High School and College, Uncle Mythy got really jiggy with it, and Gamed his scrawny white buns off.  In fact, he Gamed his GPA from a 3.5 or so down to a 1.x.
.

            If you wanted to paste, say, backlog to another character, you can do so with a targeted @paste:
@paste jonas
Jonas dies.
<OOC> Myth says, "That sucks, dude."
An orc Monitor leader finishes cutting out Jonas' heart, and takes a big, happy bite from it.
The Monitors gather around and butcher Negga Kang, Jonas' dog.
The entire party is beaten senseless and thrown in jail.
.

            The above example was just an EXAMPLE, of course... such cruelty could never be expected from a DM.*  ;)

*Sorry, Jonas.

This is SCRATCHING the surface?

            Again, yup.  All of these commands are the "basic" commands available to all Users.  Builders have even more abilities, as do Thardferr Users... abilities to @make things, abilities to @dig new rooms, abilities to @suckup to Myth, and even more.  Then there are Programmers, with Code abilities, and the power to evaluate on objects and fire methods off directly.  Get the basics down, and don't bite off too much.  Familiarity with the basics is vital to being comfortable with the advanced features.  If you've not mastered the @describe command, embedded descriptions are going to drive you nuts.  :)


Book III: Plumbing the Depths

    Chapter 1: More on Objects

What is an object?

            An object is any single thing on Hesperian.  Every single Object can have up to 3 names*.  They all have a numeric name that you'll never have to deal with, unless you get into some pretty advance Programming stuff.  They also each have a $unique_name.  This is the best way to think of an object, as a $unique_name.  I am $user_myth; an object.
*Plus, some aliases!

            Objects that have $has_name as a parent also have a "common name" and possibly aliases.

            For example, $user_myth is an object with 2 parents, $admin and $thardferr_dm.  $admin is a child of $programmer, which is a child of $builder, which is a child of $user.  So... Myth is an Admin, which subsumes Programmer, Builder, and User.  Myth is also a DM, which subsumes $thardferr_player.

What is not an object?

            Almost everything in Hesperian is an object.  Objects can have code on them; that's what Programmers manipulate.  Objects can also have variables on them.

            For example, $user_myth has code called $user_myth.description().  This is the code that tells you Myth is wearing your soul.  It also tells Myth when you look at him.  Myth's description is generated by code on the $user_myth object.

            $user_myth also has variables, such as "class_1" (currently set as "Bard", but it changes frequently as he tests things), "HP_max" (currently 100), and race.  (currently "DM").

Who can affect objects?

            Other objects, if they've got appropriate privileges, or code (if the object the code is ON has the appropriate privileges).  Meaning that $user_myth, as a child of $admin, has the privs required to affect almost any object directly.  DMs can affect most objects with DM commands or Godwand commands.

What kind of pecking order exists here?

            It's a three-tiered deal.  It goes, "Myth" then "DMs" then "PCs".  But DMs who abuse their powers will answer to Myth, and if Myth abuses his power, he answers to... well, basically... his mom.

Who the *&%! put Myth in charge?

            He's in charge by default since he built most of this stuff.  :)


    Chapter 2: Moving Deeper

Where should we go from here?

            I need more ideas on what needs detailed.  Send 'em to me.

What is the point of this chapter?

            See the above topic.  :)


Book IV: Thardferr Game Tools

    Chapter 1: Sheets

What is a sheet?

            A $sheet is an object that is a part of every Thardferr Player, Thardferr DM, and Monster or NPC.  It stores nearly all AD&D-based statistics, such as:

            The $sheet portion of you also handles things like Combat and auto-calculation of various statistics, such as Armor Class.  Whenever your AC is requested, your $sheet looks at lots of things: your worn armor, your dexterity, the lighting in the room, who's attacking, your feats, and lots of other stuff. It generates your current AC versus a certain attacker.  Are you invisible or in darkness and being attacked?... the $sheet detects this and modifies your AC accordingly.  Are you being attacked from behind?  Do you have spells affecting your AC?  A multitude of questions like this go into each AC query.

            Since Monsters and NPCs have a $sheet portion, they can store these variables, as well.

How do I view my sheet?

            Examine yourself.  Like so:
exam me
            This will give you your description, and then a host of information about yourself.  In addition, it'll prompt you for details that you haven't yet set, such as Race, Level, Class, Maximum HPs, etc.

How do I view others' sheets?

            You don't, unless you're a DM.  DMs can examine any Player or Monster or NPC's sheet, and get a full data dump.  Players examining another Player or Monster will get a bit of additional information, but nothing like a full sheet dump.

How do I edit my sheet?

            To edit your sheet, simple enter:
@sheet
            DMs can "@sheet target" and edit that target's information, so if you find that you can't edit things like XP, maximum HPs, level, or other "DM-only fields" on your sheet, ask any DM to @sheet you.

Who can view or edit my sheet?

            You, a DM, or a well-trained Programmer who has Write privileges to you.  Nobody else.  By the way, I'd not advise giving Write privileges on yourself to anyone unless you remove those privileges soon afterward.

Which values do I or a DM enter?

This list changes weekly as Myth adds new functionality. Sorry; too hard to keep a list. Experiment!

How are monetary funds viewed on Hesperian?

            You can view your current funds with:
@funds

            This also provides a breakdown of the monetary conversions.  To make change, spend one or more of the more valuable coins and earn some of the less valuable coins.  THIS IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO DO!  Please don't ask your DM, "How many silvers is that?"  He's got a bjillion things he's trying to do... have the courtesy to @funds for yourself, and save him the trouble.

            DMs can choose to "@funds target".  For example:
@funds devyn

How do I spend or earn money?

            To spend coins, just @spend amount cointype.  For example:
@spend 20 gp
@spend 1 sp

            You CAN spend more than you have, so if you go negative, either make some change, or inform your DM that you lack the funds for what is required.

            To EARN money, spend negative amounts.  For example:
@spend -12 pp
@spend -300 cp

            Your DM is informed of your expenditures and earnings.

            When DMs @spend, they're prompted for which Thardferr Player they wish to spend with.

Who built this complex-yet-clunky interface, and have they been fired yet?

            Hey, gimme a break.  I started coding on this with a bare-minimum knowledge base, and other than a handful of questions like, "Ahhh!  How do I inherit commands without clashing?" asked of the Cold C gurus, I've had to figure everything out myself.  Without graphics, it's a pain.  Maybe someday I'll spend a few hundred hours on a GUI, with graphics, sounds, colors, and a nice, friendly point-and-click interface.  But until then, we're stuck with what we've got.

If it's any consolation... I see 3x to 4x as much garbage as you see. Not only do I get DM feedback, I also get Admin feedback. So if someone in your room casts a spell or make an attack, you get a few lines. I get 2 pages or so of text, sometimes.

    Chapter 2: Combat

What values are stored on weapons and armor?

            Each $weapon stores the following information:

            Each $armor stores the following information:

How do I see or affect these values?

            You can view a Weapon's damage statistics by holding it and examining it.  A DM can view all other fields by examining the weapon or armor.

Can I test out my combat without annoying my DM?

            Yes!  Go to the $game_room, wield a weapon, and whack on the gnoll to your heart's content.  If you lack a weapon, you can attack him with your hands.  To get healing if he counter-attacks:
touch disk

How do I dual wield?

            Just wield both weapons, currently.  Eventually, there'll be better support for this.

How do I do special attacks?

            You'll need to inform Myth what special attack you wish to utilize, and until it's added, ask your DM to calculate your special attack adjustments.

This is all just numbers and dice... where's the Role Play?

That's the beauty of it! The entire purpose behind Hesperian is to make this stuff more transparent! Instead of playing numbers games and comparing bonuses... you can let all of that happen in the background, and focus on the game and the role playing.

            When you attack, you'll be prompted to emote either a hit or a miss.  PLEASE take the opportunity to do so.  I encourage all DMs to withhold XP from combatants who do not emote their attacks.  When you see a User or Monster/NPC attack, please give them a moment to emote their attack, before you cut them off with your response.  If you notice an NPC or Monster that isn't emoting attacks, remind the DM that it adds a lot of realism and Role-Playing if attacks are emoted.

How is initiative handled?

            The DM handles Initiative with a God Amulet.  When a round begins, your initiative is rolled and calculated.  Your dexterity and Improved Initiative Feat are all included in this calculation.  On your turn (running from the highest init to the lowest) you need to be prepared to tell your DM your actions. If you wish to enter combat, it's a good idea to tell your DM just BEFORE your initiative, if possible, just so that they are prepared to handle your combat.
            If you have more than one action per round, take them all on your init unless you notify the DM of alternate plans (such as "delay").

How do I adjust my initiative?

            You can modify your initiative with:
@init

            A DM can alter your initiative, as well, but he's probably very busy and would appreciate if you'd handle it yourself.  To see what initiative you're on, look at yourself.

Why does every chapter end with a dumb question?

            Because I'm so clever.


    Chapter 3: Spells

How do I target my spells?

            Some spells require targeting.  Some do not.  If they do not, it does NOT hurt to target them.  To target a spell, cast it "at target".  For example:
cast magic missile at orc
rather than just
cast magic missile

            If a target requires a target, such as Magic Missile, and one is not provided, "the target" is inserted.  For example, the output from "cast magic missile" might be:
Myth makes obscure gestures and chants in an unknown tongue, and suddenly three bolts of blazing white energy leap from his fingers and smash into the target.
while the output from "cast magic missile at orc" would be:
Myth makes obscure gestures and chants in an unknown tongue, and suddenly three bolts of blazing white energy leap from his fingers and smash into a large orc.

            Some spells have "actual" Game effects.  An example is Cure Light Wounds.  If a Priest casts Cure Light Wounds at a PC, NPC, or Monster, it'll heal a random amount of damage.  Another example is Invisibility.  A Wizard can cast Invisibility at a PC, NPC, Monster, or Thing, and they'll become invisible.

I've heard rumors of the elusive @suckup command...

            Don't be silly.  Who would ever code a feature that enables Players to @suckup to their DMs?


    Chapter 4: Miscellaneous Game Tools

How do I roll Saving Throws?

            Attempt a Saving Throw with:
@save saving-throw-type

            For example:
@save Fortitude

            You may need to make Saving Throws that only your DM can see.  You can make a save "to DM" and your DM will see the results, but you will not.  For example, if the DM requests you to make a ST vs. Spell to him, you would:
@save will to DM

            You may also make Saving Throws with a bonus or penalty.  By adding a "at (adjustment)", you can do this.  For example, to make a Reflex Save at +4:
@save ref at +4

            To make a Reflex Save at -6 to your DM:
@save ref to DM at -6

How do I make Skill checks?

            Attempt a Skill check with:
@check skillname

            For example, to make a Spot Check, you'd type:
@check spot

            You may need to make Skill check that only your DM can see, or with a bonus or penalty.  Exactly as with Saving Throws, you can make a check "to DM" and your DM will see the results, but you will not.  You can also make a check "at (adjustment)".  For example:
@check spellcraft at -4
or:
@check swimming to DM at +2

How do I roll Ability checks?

        Ability checks are called exactly like Skill Checks:
@check abilityname
So, to make a Wisdom check, you'd type:
@check wisdom

            You can roll Ability checks with a bonus or penalty, and you can also make them to your DM.  To do so, include a "at (adjustment)" or a "to DM".  For example:
@check wisdom at +4
or:
@check wisdom to DM at -2

How do I roll dice?

            There are two built-in ways for a Thardferr Player to roll dice.  First, you can @roll dicetype.  The dicetype must follow the format of #d#, and can include +#.  For example, the following are all valid rolls:
@roll 1d6
@roll 2d4
@roll 3d4+3
@roll 1d20-8

            You can also roll dice Secretly.  This lets you and your DM know what you've rolled, but not the room.  To do this, just add an "s" to the command.  For example:
@sroll 1d20

            Your DM will be informed of your @roll if he's in another room, and if you @sroll.  Your sheet also stores your dice rolls, so if you decide to cheat with an emoted roll, be prepared to suffer heavy consequences.

How can I store and retrieve Notes?

            Your User login has the ability to store and view Notes.  Editing Notes isn't really supported yet, although you CAN clear them and re-enter them.  You can note anything you wish, and nobody other than Myth can read the notes.  You can jot down email addresses, URLs, Game notes, the phone number of the cute blonde you met at lunch, whatever.  They stay there until you clear them out or your login is destroyed.  To view your notes, use:
@note

            To clear your notes, use:
@note clear

            And, to add a note, use anything else, such as:
http://www.puremagic.com/~scott/player_history.html
@note Found a sack full of gem-studded mouse skulls in the worg lair.
@note Myth: 1-900-DMSLUTS

When will more of this book be finished?

            As it's needed.  I spend hours writing this junk.  If nobody's reading it, I might as well be teaching the pansy Protoss a thing or two about Hydrolisks.  :)

            If you DO read this, please do me a favor... page Myth on Hesperian and tell him, "Hey, Big Daddy, I read the Hesperian help page."  If I get a few people using these pages, I'll be about a bjillion times more likely to continue to work on them.  Thanks!

                        Uncle Mythy, 02/06/07*

*My last update to this page was 02/22/01. It's been a few days less than SIX YEARS! Wow.

Hesperian-ims

            Hesperian has many features that aren't yet approached here.  To get a blurb on these features, enter:
read $technical_blurbs_hesperian

            You can also get help on other topics, such as:
read $rules_make
read $rules_build
read $rules_spells


That should do it. Send email to myth@puremagic.com with questions/comments/problems.  ICQ # 28768381

This page was last edited:  02/06/2006 4:34 PM